I'm pleased to report that we closed out 2011 providing almost $18 million in assistance to over 40,000 Airmen and their families (unaudited figures). Consistent with our charter, more than half of this assistance was for emergency needs such as vehicle repairs, emergency travel, rent, utilities, funeral expenses and the like. Once again, the Society's popular community programs touched thousands of Airmen and family members. Whether it is a gift card for a returning Wounded Warrior, using one of our child care programs, attending a Bundles for Baby class, calling home using an AFAS-sponsored prepaid phone card, participating in a Spouse Orientation class, or enrolling in a class through the Local Education programs, Airmen and their families benefited from over $2.2 million in community program assistance.

In addition, the Society offered an array of education programs totaling $6.5 million. We are currently accepting applications for our flagship program, the Gen Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program. Eligibility criteria, instructions and the application can be found at http://www.afas.org/Education/ArnoldEdGrant.cfm. We will be accepting applications (online only) until 9 March 2012.

For complete end of year statistics, please see our Fact Sheet, and don't forget to visit our Facebook Page and "Like Us". We continue to post to our Wall every business day and look forward to welcoming many new friends this year!

John D. Hopper, Jr.
Lieutenant General, USAF (Ret)
Chief Executive Officer
Air Force Aid Society